The Virgin Islands Department of Labor celebrates the successful completion of two career fairs and the overwhelming response to its summer programs for youth, according to a news release.
VIDOL Commissioner Gary Molloy commended the remarkable success of the two career fairs held on April 23 at the University of the Virgin Islands’ Great Hall on St. Croix and on May 13 at Tutu Park Mall on St. Thomas. These fairs drew an impressive turnout of over 630 career seekers, the release stated.
The Workforce Development team organized a vital opportunity for job seekers to connect with employers from both the public and private sectors. Participants included recent graduates, young adults, and experienced professionals seeking new opportunities or career advancement, according to the release.
Key highlights of the career fairs from the release include:
- A total of 633 career seekers registered, showing significant interest in fields such as healthcare, hospitality, administration, IT, and skilled trades.
- A total of 52 employers in attendance, including the Division of Personnel, Banco Popular, McDonald’s, Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, The Buccaneer Resort, and Lutheran Social Services.
- 351 attendees expressed interest in career training programs, with 100 already registered in the Virgin Islands Electronic Workforce System (VIeWS).
- The career fair also served as a resource center, providing resume assistance, career counseling, and information on available training opportunities.
“This job fair was more than just a hiring event — it was a celebration of opportunity and community resilience,” Molloy reflected. “We are committed to connecting Virgin Islanders with meaningful employment and career development resources.”
According to the release, online applications for this year’s Summer Youth Work Experience Program (SYWEP) closed on April 11, with an impressive 1,240 submissions received across VIDOL’s youth & apprenticeship summer initiatives:
- 921 applications for the five-week paid Work Experience (ages 16–25)
- 243 applications for Career Exploration (ages 14–15)
- 76 applications for the Labor Investing for Tomorrow (LIFT) Internship Program
Molloy shared his excitement at the strong youth interest, stating, “The Summer Work Experience Program is not only a rite of passage for our students, but also a vital bridge to real-world experience, mentorship, and economic opportunity. We are deeply proud of the overwhelming interest and remain committed to creating pathways for our youth to thrive.”
Currently, VIDOL is finalizing placement decisions, with an anticipated 75%–80% of applicants expected to participate, translating to nearly 800 young people gaining valuable work experience this summer. The department has already processed over 100 per diem records to ensure timely onboarding of selected participants, the release stated.
Molloy also emphasized the broader vision of the program as a launchpad for long-term workforce development, noting that this summer’s initiative complements the Bryan/Roach Administration’s Youth Initiative with ongoing investment in youth apprenticeships, GVI Fellows internship program, and industry-led career pipelines.
“We are seeing our young people take initiative and invest in their futures, and it’s our responsibility to meet their ambition with meaningful opportunities,” said Molloy. “We extend our deepest appreciation to our public, private, and non-profit partners whose placement opportunities and cost-sharing support enables us to expand access to these life-changing experiences.”
VIDOL encourages all selected participants to verify that their employment and identification documents are up to date to ensure a smooth placement process before the program begins the week of June 2.
For more information on programs offered and future events, please contact VIDOL at St. Croix: (340) 773-1994, St. Thomas: (340) 776-3700, or St. John: (340) 693-4367. Individuals can also visit www.vidol.gov/ or www.facebook.com/USVIDOL.
